HP Expands Cloud Computing Services Portfolio

Hewlett-Packard's Cloud Design Service aims to help enterprises more quickly design and deploy an IT infrastructure that is secure, scalable and can work in a hybrid fashion, supporting both private and public clouds. The new service includes creating a design blueprint and an implementation plan.

Hewlett-Packard is adding to its cloud computing services lineup, offering
consulting designed to help enterprises speed up their ability to adopt the
burgeoning computing model.
HP on Feb. 16 rolled out its Cloud Design Service, which gives
businesses a way of designing and deploying scalable cloud computing
environments and ensuring that the infrastructure can support both private and
public clouds in a hybrid fashion.

Such consulting services can help businesses more easily move
from wanting a cloud environment to deploying and managing one, according to Alan
Wilson, vice president of the Solutions Infrastructure Practice of HP
Technology Services.

"Organization of all types are struggling to understand
how to build a cloud-specific infrastructure that is safe and effective while
meeting their business objectives," Wilson
said in a statement.
With HP Cloud Design Service representatives learn about the
needs and existing IT infrastructures of their clients, then create a "customized
cloud infrastructure design blueprint and an implementation plan," HP
said.
That plan includes everything from cost estimates and
deployment guidelines to testing, operational management and support. It takes
into account such aspects as the people, workload migration issues and
technologies involved.

HP uses its Reference Architecture for Cloud as the common
framework for its services, treating it as a foundation that can be adapted to
accommodate requirements specific to the client.
The new service also takes into account the current IT assets
of the client business, identifying what can be used in the cloud environment.
Analysts are saying the move to cloud computing will continue
as businesses see the cost and management benefits associated with the model.
In December 2009, Gartner analysts predicted that through at least 2012 enterprises
will invest
more money in building private clouds while public cloud environments-such
as those offered by Amazon.com, IBM and
Google-mature.
Over time, though, businesses will use public clouds as well,
and eventually will develop hybrid environments.
The Gartner analysts said what's important for businesses now
is to begin laying the groundwork for their migration to cloud computing.